Ahmed Tahsin Shams

Biography

I’m a Ph.D. student in Media Arts and Sciences at the Media School of Indiana University Bloomington, USA. My areas of research interest include cinema in the Age of the Anthropocene, imaging and imagining climate change, intermediality of visual arts, and film philosophy.

Two of my feature films are available on Amazon Prime Video: ‘A Tale of Night Flowers’ (2012, 127 mins) and ‘Reflection’ (2022, 54 mins). My recent documentary film titles are ‘Listen’ (2024, 54mins), ‘Cogito Ergo Sum’ (2024, 72mins), and ‘Truth, Power, Freedom’ (2024, 27mins).

Moreover, I have ten published scholarly papers and several books as an author and editor. So far, I have worked with more than 15 organizations since 2010, including the University of Notre Dame (Indiana, USA) as a visiting faculty member from 2021–2023 and Notre Dame University Bangladesh as an Assistant Professor from 2016–2021. Recently, I started working as an assistant editor at the ‘Black Camera’ research journal in June 2024 and with the English Language Institute at the University of Chicago as a summer language instructor for academic English courses. From Fall 2024, I am also joining the team of The City Lights Film Series, IU Cinema program.

Part A: Education

Ph.D. student, Media Arts and Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington (2023-2028)

M.A. in English Literature, Department of English, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2015

B.A. in English, Department of English, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2012

Part B: Research Publications

1. “Glorifying Ecocide in Cinematic Trends Versus Voicing Ecocritical Aesthetics.” SCHOLARS: Journal of Arts & Humanities, Nepal, vol. 06, no. 02, August 15, 2024, pp. 65-78.
2. “Dissent under Siege: Case Studies of Repression in the Digital Era of Bangladesh.” Advances in Journalism and Communication, vol. 12, no. 01, 29 Mar. 2024, pp. 207–230, https://doi.org/10.4236/ajc.2024.121011.
3. “Eco-centric versus Anthropocentric Approach in Literary Pedagogy: Inclusion of Non-human Narratives as Teaching Social Justice.” Global Journal of Human Social Sciences, vol. 22, no. A9, Nov. 01, 2022, pp. 1-9.
4. “Representation of Family Members in D. H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers and Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis: A Comparative Study of Dehumanization.” Bangladesh University of Professionals, December 28, 2022
5. “A Transcultural Study of Kaafiron Ki Namaaz: A New Discourse of ‘The Hermeneutic Motion’ as an Adaptation Theory.” International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, vol.9, No. 9, Sept. 2022, pp. B504-b512.
6. “Theoretical Insights on Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in the USA and Bangladesh.” International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, vol. 11, no. 9, Sept. 2022, pp. 68-71.
7. “Identity Economics in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights: An Empathetic Inquiry into Psychoanalysis.” Scholars: Journal of Arts & Humanities, Tribhuvan University of Nepal, vol. 4, no. 2, Sept. 2022, pp. 74–80.
8. “Musical Translation Approach (MTA) for Cognitive Learning in Translation Studies Pedagogy in Bangladesh.” International Journal of Social Science and Humanities, vol. 10, no. 3, Sept. 2022, pp. 391-398.
9. “Primordialism and Constructivism:  A Critical Study of Boundaries in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things.” International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, vol. 9, no. 3, Sept. 2022, pp. 191-194.
10. “Ecologized Humanity Versus Humanized Ecology: Critical Approach to Camera Narratives in Cinematic Art.” International Journal Online of Humanities (IJOHMN), vol. 8, no. 4, Aug. 2022, pp. 1-15.

Part C: Research Conferences

1. University Film and Video Association Conference 2024, Cleveland Statement University, Ohio, July 30-August 2. Paper Title: “Neo-Baroque as a Genre with Panismo Effect in Sorrentino’s Youth.”
2. 8th annual Common Ground Conference and Screening,  The Media School Graduate Association, IU Bloomington, April 2024. Paper Title: “Neo-Baroque as a Genre with Panismo Effect in Sorrentino’s Youth.” Screening Title: The Story of Akin Adesokan (2024, 12 mins)
3. Midwest Graduate Student Symposium in Film Studies, University of Iowa, Feb 28, 2024. Paper Title: “Cinema Sensorium and Ecocentric Reality in the Age of Anthropocene.”
4. Mapping Gendered Spaces in Language, Literature, and Culture, Department of English, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 4-5, 2023. Paper Title: “Glorifying Ecocide in Mainstream Cinema: A Cross-cultural Comparative Analysis of Selected American and Indian Films.”
5. 2023 Orlando International Multidisciplinary Academic Conference, International Association of Applied Business Research (IAABR) and the Academic Organization for Advancement of Strategic and International Studies (Academic OASIS), SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village, Orlando, Florida, May  21–22, 2023. Paper Title: “Glorifying Ecocide in Mainstream Cinema: A Cross-cultural Comparative Analysis of Selected American and Indian Films.”
6. 32nd International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies, Princeton University, The Erdman Center, 20 Library Place, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA, June 8-9, 2023. Paper Title: “Popular Culture Versus Visual Arts: Redefined from the Lens of Censorship in Bangladesh.”
7. International Conference on Recent Developments in Social Science and Digital Economy (ICRDSSDE-2023), Bureau for Engagement in Scientific Research and Academic Exchange (BESRA) and the International Journal of Advanced Business Studies (IJAB), 1101 30th St NW, Georgetown, Washington, DC, USA, June 18-19, 2023. Paper Title: “Popular Culture Versus Visual Arts: Redefined from the Lens of Censorship in Bangladesh.”
8. 6th World Conference on Social Sciences, WORLD CSS, Los Angeles, United States, August 17-18, 2023. Paper Title: “Popular Culture Versus Visual Arts: Redefined from the Lens of Censorship in Bangladesh.”
9. Fostering a Community of Cultures through Intercultural Competence, Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, Apr. 24-26, 2022. Paper Title: “Eco-centric versus Anthropocentric Approach in Literary Pedagogy: Inclusion of Non-human Narratives as Teaching Social Justice.”
10. Research Conference at University of BITS Pilani, Goa, India, Jan. 30-Feb. 2. 2019. Paper Title: “The ‘New Original’ through Cultural Translation: Kaafiron Ki Naamaz, the Journey of Pastiche from Postmodern Stage to Indian Cinema Screen.
11. Thinkers’ and Writers’ Peace Conference 2019, Research  Conference by Internationa Society for Intercultural Studies and Research ISISAR), Kolkata, India, Dec. 28-30, 2019. Paper Title: “Eco-conscious Approach in Hughesian Mythic Crow: The Rebel Non-Human Voice.”
12. 2nd International Conference on Teaching and Learning, Center for Pedagogy, Independent University, Bangladesh, Research Conference by Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), Jun. 28, 2018. Paper Title: “Musical Translation Approach as the Magic Wand in the Pedagogy of Literature Translation in Bangladesh.”

Part D: Books Authored/Edited/Translated

1. “English Grammar SSC, Course Code 2652” for Secondary School Certificate Program, Bangladesh Open University Press, Jan. 2018 [Role: Author et al.]
2. “English Grammar HSC, Course Code 2852” for Higher Secondary Certificate Program, Bangladesh Open University Press, Jan. 2018 [Role: Author et al.]
3. “Theo 101,” a collection of poems, Antivirus Publication (Liverpool, England), Feb. 2015 [Role: Author]
4. “Cultural Columns: Traffic of Truth,” a collection of proses, Utso Prokashan (Bangladesh), Feb. 2015 [Role: Author]
5. “The Butterfly Effect,” an anthology of liberal arts, published by Blank Voices (Bangladesh), Sept. 2022 [Role: Editor]
6. “Critical Insights,” a peer-reviewed academic journal of the Department of English, Notre Dame University Bangladesh Press, Aug. 2022 [Role: Editor et al.]
7. “The Myriad of Meanings in Literary Culture Studies,” a peer-reviewed collection of proses, published by Blank Voices (Bangladesh), Mar. 2022 [Role: Editor & Author et al.]
8. “Sajjad Arefin’s Poesy Tales,” a collection of transcreated poems, published by  Blank Voices (Bangladesh), Dec. 2020 [Role: Editor & Translator]
9. “NDUB Research Journal,” a peer-reviewed academic journal, Notre Dame University Bangladesh Press, Dec. 2019 [Role: Editor et al.]
10. “Preema Donna: An Infinite Journey,” a book on Nazia Andaleeb Preema’s artworks and performances, published by Cosmos Books (Bangladesh), Nov. 2019 [Role: Editor & Author et al.]
11. “Potroput,” a bi-lingual poetry collection by Shakib Lohani, Onnodhara  Publications (Bangladesh), Feb. 2019 [Role: Editor & Translator et al.]
12. “Blue Sky,” a quarterly publication by Bangladesh Monitor for US Bangla Airlines, 2016 [Role: Editor & Author et al.]
13. “WIL,” a quarterly publication of Bangladesh Brand Forum and Women in Leadership, 2018-2020 [Role: Editor & Author et al.]

Part E: Book Chapters/Reviews

1. “Decrowning Postmodern Protagonists from Page, Stage, and Screen: A Critical Approach to Theoretical Historiography.” Strands of Cultural Historicism: Beyond Ideational Margin, Edited by Aaloy Gangopadhyay et. al., published by Gyan Darpan, Kolkata, India, December 2022
2.  “A Pedagogical Overview of Culturally Responsive Teaching for English Literature International Undergraduates.” The Myriad of Meanings in Literary Culture Studies, Edited by Ahmed Tahsin Shams, Koel Mitra, and Avik Gangopadhyay, published by Blank Voices (Bangladesh), Mar. 2022
3. “A Breathtaking Manuscript of Revenge in Nocturnal Animals by Tom Ford.” Dhaka Tribune, Oct. 2017
4. “A. S. Byatt’s Possession: A Romance.” Ashvamegh Indian Journal of English Literature, Chatto & Windus, Apr. 2016
5. “Protagonist as Intruder into Religion in Wole Soyinka’s The Road: Reflection on the Hidden Theological Class-War.” The Daily Observer, Bangladesh, Apr. 2015
6. “Margin Takes over the Centre: Readers Becoming Authors in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard.” The Daily Observer, Bangladesh, May. 2015
7. “Jatiswar by Srijit Mukherji: A Musical Tribute to Anthony Firingee.” Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh, Nov. 2014

Part F: Nonfiction Proses 

1. “’E’ For Education, ‘M’ for Misery.” The Daily Observer, The Daily Observer Press, 18 Oct. 2017.
2. “Dhaka: The City of Paradoxes.” The Daily Observer, The Daily Observer Press, 29 Oct. 2017.
3. “Suicidal Tales and the Whales Around.” The Daily Observer, The Daily Observer Press, 22 Oct. 2017, https://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=101647.
4. “Literature: Potato in the Curry of Career.” The Daily Observer, The Daily Observer Press, 7 Sept. 2017.
5. “Thoughts on Genocide.” The Daily Observer, The Daily Observer Press, 2017,
6. “No More Gender-Genocide!” The Daily Observer, The Daily Observer Press, 11 May 2017

Part G: Released Films in Amazon Prime

1. A Tale of Night Flowers [Deho Station], 2014 [Role: Screenplay and Direction]
2. Reflection [Arshinagar], 2022 [Role: Screenplay, Direction, Editing]

Part H: Media Coverage

1. “On Filmmaking Journey,” The Daily Kaler Kantho, Sept 24, 2022
2. “Film Released on Amazon Prime,” Bangladesh Post, August 3, 2022
3. Interviewed by Notre Dame, Indiana, Sept 15, 2021
4. Workshop on Storytelling for Promoting Inclusive Governance through Films, The Daily Sun, Oct 14, 2018
5. Black Camera
6. Common Ground Conference
7. Facing the Facade Documentary Project 2024

Part I: Awards in Film Festivals

1. Swadeshi Short Film Festival 2017, Category: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Film Name: Freedom of Silence (8.53 minutes), Organizer: Swadeshi Film Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2. Shadhinotar Golpey Cinema Banai 2017 [Making Films on Freedom], Category: 2nd Runner-up as Film Director, Film Name: Freedom of Silence (8.53 minutes), Organizer: Bangla Communications and BDSHORTS, Bangladesh
3. American Golden Picture International Film Festival (USA), Category: Best Director (Feature Film), Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], November 3, 2022, Location: Jacksonville, Florida
4. World Cinema Awards (USA), Category: Best Experimental Feature Film, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], December 20, 2022
5. Calcutta International Cult Film Festival (India), Category: Best Postmodern Film, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], October 26, 2022
6. Havelock International Film Festival (India), Category: Best Director, Best Experimental Feature Film, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], November 4, 2022
7. Golden Fern Film Awards (India), Category: Best Postmodern Film, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], November 14, 2022
8. Chicago Cinema Awards (USA), Category: Best Experimental, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], November 8, 2022
9. Brazil New Visions Film Fest (Brazil), Category: Nominated for Best Feature Film, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], October 26, 2022
10. Crown Point International Film Festival (USA), Category: Best Experimental Feature Film, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], October 2, 2022
11. Golden Eagle Indie Film Festival (India), Category: Best Feature, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], October 9, 2022
12. Eastern Europe International Movie Awards (Turkey), Category: Best Experimental, Film Name: Reflection [Arshinagar], October 1, 2022
13. Cuzco Underground Cinema Festival (Peru), Category: Best Feature Experimental, Film Name: Arshinagar [Reflection], October 1, 2022
14. Indus Valley International Film Festival (IVIFF), Season 5 (India), Category; Best Adaptation Literature to Screen, Name: Arshinagar [Reflection], New Delhi, India 110048, October 10, 2022
15. Synergy Film Festival (USA), Category: Official Selection, Name: Arshinagar [Reflection], September 30, 2022, 520 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, California 90004
16. Dos Lagos Film Festival, Category: Official Selection, Dos Lagos Film Fest, Name: Arshinagar [Reflection], 7190 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 300, Hollywood, CA 90046, October 21, 2022

Part J: Invited Talks/Workshops

1. “Writing an Abstract” Workshop by Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA, March 9, 2023
2. “Be Your Editor in Academic Writing: A Grammatical Approach,” Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA, Nov. 8, 2022
3. “Culturally Responsive Teaching: Teachers as Connectors and Cultural Translators,” Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA, Oct. 4, 2022
4. “Culturally Responsive Teaching: Awareness to Action,” Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA, Nov. 18 & 30, 2022
5. “Moves in Academic Writing,” Notre Dame University Bangladesh Language Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jul. 17, 2022
6. “Creative Writing in the New Age,” The Neotia University, Department of English, Exploring New Pedagogy in English and Mass Communication Lecture Series, Dec. 4, 2021
7. “Creative Practice and Impact on Mental Health,” NDUB Lockdown Fest 2020,  The Photographic Society of Notre Dame University Bangladesh, in collaboration with Notre Dame University Bangladesh Business Club (NDUBBC) and Notre Dame University Bangladesh English Club (NDUBEC), June 15, 2020 — July 16, 2020
8. “Eco-conscious Versus Ego-Conscious Approach in Literary Pedagogy,” NDUB Environmental Vanguard Award 2019,  Notre Dame University Bangladesh, Nov. 15, 2019
9. “Peace Film Festival 2019,” a 6-month-long film-making workshop organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation and Films4Peace Foundation at Shawkat Osman Auditorium, Public Library, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to July 2019
10. “Creative Writing and Storytelling Workshop,” a day-long workshop on Creative Writing and Storytelling organized by Notre Dame University Bangladesh English Club (NDUBEC), held at Notre Dame University premises on July 21, 2018

Google Scholar Citations: 38 [until August 31, 2024]